title: Intraneural steroid injection as a complication in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome. A report of three cases.
abstract: Steroid injection can provide symptomatic relief in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Its role should be limited to a diagnostic aid in cases in which symptoms are atypical, a temporizing agent in patients with severe symptoms either who are awaiting surgery or in whom spontaneous remission might be expected, and as a definitive treatment in patients who do not desire surgery. Injection should be performed using proper technique by physicians skilled in carpal tunnel surgery. A soluble preparation of dexamethasone is recommended. Immediate paresthesia in the median nerve distribution or exacerbation of symptoms beyond 48 hours following injection is suspect for inadvertent nerve injury; therefore, early surgical decompression is indicated.
authors.affiliation: Geisinger Medical Center, Department of Orthopaedics, Danville, PA 17822-1323.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: McConnell
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Bush
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000368:Aged; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections / Q000009:adverse effects; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000187:drug effects / Q000293:injuries*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones